ok, what is a k&n filter?
Fram also has something similar. It's called the Fram "Air Hog" air filter. I do not yet have a part number, but one should be available soon. It is also washable. Go to framairhog.com for info. Also, have yet to see anything from K & N as far as part numbers on air filters.BuicksRbetter said:Has anybody installed a drop-in K&N filter yet? Every car I'll ever own will have at least a drop-in. It WILL slightly improve your mpg's, and it'll give a tad more power. The only thing you'll notice is a little more engine noise because the motor is breathing better. It'll probably make that 3.6 sound better too.
No K& N expected for a LONG time! Just checked every performance filter manufacturer out there , and only one showed a listing, TrueFlow, but it's a round cylinder type! The listing is wrong!Won't fit. I won't change to a complete bolt- on replacement system, as I've had them and find the "suction" noise too loud, when you replace the factory "air box". For now, we waitChrisG said:As of July 25th, K&N don't have an air filter for the Enclave. On their website they have a request form for new vehicles:
http://www.knfilters.com/products_needed/default.aspx
When they get round to making them, they'll even let you know! I'd guess that the more people fill that in, the faster they'll become available.
I've used K&N direct replacement air filters for 12 years (5 autos) and never saw a restriction or drop in MPG/power. Just the opposite! Why would it cause more restriction when it passes safely, almost 40% more fresh air?? I think the Miata guy mentioned was run off the road one too many timesMightyMouse said:Do more research and you'll find that K&N drop in filters are often more of a restriction than a help. (Miata Forum.. I believe it's Miata.net)
If you want to find an inexpensive way of improving fuel efficiency and a little more power you'll have to find a way to either get or make a cold air intake.
PVC makes for a nice Cold Air intake runner as it doesn't transfer heat very well at all, so it keeps the intake air cooler, you can run one pipe put an elbow, and run another pipe, drill holes or whatever for your MAF and slap on a 2.5" or 3" washable Cone intake/filter. It's ugly, but works, you can also paint the PVC black for that "stock look"..
I agree with Smokin. I've used K&N drop-ins in my last 5 vehicles and have never had a problem. My Avalanche has a filter-replacement reminder on the side of the airbox (it measures a certain amount of restriction when the filter gets dirty; you are supposed to change the filter when it gets into the red zone) and it has never moved since I've had the K&N in it. It frequently gets driven on gravel roads and in fields with tall grass/weeds so it gets very dirty. I make sure the oil (which is what provides the filtration by trapping the dirt) doesn't dry out between washings, which I do about once a year. I like buying a filter once in the lifetime of my vehicle and knowing I'm getting better airflow and therefore gas mileage.Smokin SRX said:I've used K&N direct replacement air filters for 12 years (5 autos) and never saw a restriction or drop in MPG/power. Just the opposite! Why would it cause more restriction when it passes safely, almost 40% more fresh air?? I think the Miata guy mentioned was run off the road one too many times
The cold air systems you mention definitely supply more fresh air, thus power, but I've always objected to the roar of noise on half throttle or more. Most people won't/ can't install them on a Buick anyway. maybe some will. But thanks for heads up!
I'm gonna wait for the K&N or Fram Air hog.................when available. They work!! :thumb:
Not sure I agree 100%. These autos have a computer that adjusts for more/less air, as when filter gets dirty, to insure correct fuel/air ratio. I thought w/ a K&N, after a brief period, the availability of more air would let some more fuel in at wide-open throttle and thus more power? A little anyway. I have felt it personally on a 4.3 liter GMC Envoy, just with the filter change! Yes, honestly, old filter had 10,000 miles on it, so maybe that helped skew the results a bit. but still, more power evident from seat-of-pants feeling, from that day forward. ?? I felt it was worth the cost regardless, and have to change filters anyway,so... :thumb:budi said:The benefits of the K&N filter are only seen during full "pedal to the metal" throttle and the ability to reuse the filter. Here is a thought experiment. If you took your filter off the car and ran it with the whole earth's oxygen supply available to it what would be the results on a dyno? Answer no appreciable increase in power.